Tag: Travel

A Day Trip to Remember: Exploring the Sea to Sky Highway in the Ford F-150 Lightning

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There’s something about driving the Sea to Sky Highway that never gets old. No matter how many times I make the trip, the winding roads, the mountain views, and the salty ocean air make it feel like an adventure every time.

So when we had the chance to take the all-electric Ford F-150 Lightning on a little day- trip to Shannon Falls, I couldn’t pass it up. A day spent exploring the great outdoors, coffee in hand, with the smooth, quiet drive of an electric truck? Sign me up.

First Impressions: The Future of Trucks is Here

Before hitting the road, I had to take a moment to check out all the F-150 Lightning’s features—and trust me, there are plenty. One of my favorite things? The front trunk (or as Ford calls it, the “frunk”). Instead of an engine under the hood, there’s extra storage, making it the perfect place to stash our bags for easy access. A quick press of a button, and the trunk pops open effortlessly.

Inside, starting the truck was just as seamless—push-button start, a massive touchscreen, and the kind of quiet you don’t expect from a pickup. Once we were on the road, it was smooth sailing all the way to Squamish.

Shannon Falls: The Perfect Day Trip Stop

A stop at Shannon Falls is a must on any Sea to Sky road trip. As soon as we parked, the kids took off running toward the falls, excited to explore. The view never disappoints—cascading water, lush greenery, and that fresh mountain air that instantly makes you feel more relaxed.

And while most people think of trucks for hauling gear or moving things, the F-150 Lightning turned out to be the perfect spot for a quick lunch break. The spacious truck bed became our little picnic area, proving that a pickup can be just as great for relaxing as it is for heavy lifting.

After fueling up, we headed into Squamish for a coffee stop before making our way to a nearby charging station.

Charging Made Easy with the Ford Power Promise

One of the biggest concerns people have about switching to an electric vehicle is charging. But with Ford’s Power Promise, it’s easier than ever to make the switch.

For a limited time, Ford is offering a complimentary home charger and standard installation with the purchase or lease of an eligible new Ford Mustang Mach-E, F-150 Lightning, or E-Transit electric vehicle. That means more convenience and serious savings compared to filling up with gas.

Other perks of the Ford Power Promise include:
✅ 24/7 live support, including charging assistance
✅ Access to the BlueOval™ Charge Network, so you can charge on the go
✅ An 8-year/160,000-km battery warranty for extra peace of mind

We found a charging station conveniently located right outside a cute park, so while the truck charged, the kids got to play—a total win-win.

This promotion is only available until March 31, so if you’ve been thinking about going electric, now might be the perfect time.

The Drive Home: A Reminder of Why We Love Where We Live

With the truck charged up and our coffee in hand, we made our way back home, taking in one last look at the Sea to Sky Highway’s breathtaking views. The drive was quiet, smooth, and best of all—zero emissions.

This trip was the perfect reminder of how lucky we are to live in BC, surrounded by mountains, waterfalls, and endless opportunities to explore.

Where’s a drive that never gets old for you? Let me know in the comments—I’m always looking for new places to explore.

Unforgettable Family Experience: Prince and Princess Afternoon Tea at Fairmont Empress, Victoria, BC

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Calling all families local to and visiting Victoria, BC! Are you ready for an unforgettable experience fit for royalty? Look no further than Fairmont Empress, where they roll out the red carpet for your little princes and princesses with their enchanting Prince and Princess Afternoon Tea.

Our family visited Victoria, BC over the Mother’s Day weekend and I knew I wanted to do something memorable with my daughter. We were staying at the Fairmont Empress and my daughter already thought we moved into a castle, so I thought Afternoon Tea would definitely put the finishing touches on her royal experience. It definitely didn’t disappoint.

Fit for Young Royalty:

The Prince and Princess Afternoon Tea is tailored to suit the tastes of your tiny travellers, aged five to twelve (my little one is four and she was quite happy with the offerings. Our server Yosef was so kind and accommodating which helped with my nerves about having my four year old in such an elegant setting.

The Prince and Princess menu includes:

  • ORGANIC PEANUT BUTTER & JELLY brioche bread
  • SLOW ROASTED TURKEY ON ISLAND HARVEST BREAD tender smoked turkey breast
  • ENGLISH CUCUMBER ON BRIOCHE sweet local cucumber
  • BLACK FOREST HAM & CHEESE orange cheddar cheese, 7 grain bread
  • SIGNATURE EMPRESS SCONE
  • CHOCOLATE ÉCLAIR
  • VANILLA CAKE POPS
  • LEMON MERINGUE CUPCAKE
  • FRUIT GUMMIES

Savour Every Bite:

But let’s not forget about the grown up food – because it’s fit for a king or queen!

The Afternoon Tea menu includes:

  • SMOKED SALMONlocal sockeye, caper berries, citrus smoked crème fraîche, blini
  • GRANDFATHER HAM & CHEESE shaved ham, rosemary honey mustard, swiss, brioche
  • TRUFFLED MUSHROOM QUICHE free run egg, heavy cream, cultivated mushroom, thyme, mount moriarty gruyère (this was my favourite)
  • CORONATION CHICKEN SALAD SANDWICH house-roasted farmhouse chicken, curry infused sweet onions, brioche
  • ENGLISH CUCUMBER dill whipped cream cheese, apricot, fennel pollen & pink peppercorn, marble rye
  • FRESHLY BAKED EMPRESS RAISIN SCONES served warm with house-made clotted cream & strawberry-vanilla preserves
  • BANANA AND TONKA BEAN CRÈMEUX banana confit, rum whipped ganache
  • PISTACHIO OPERA almond jaconde, pistachio buttercream
  • PEAR MACARON caramel and pear ganache
  • CHOCOLATE RASPBERRY MADELEINE dark chocolate ganache
  • BERGAMOT AND ROSEWATER TART yuzu pearls

For tea, I selected the tea that was boasted as Princess Diana’s favourite tea, an elegant rose tea, and my daughter had the Orange Vanilla tea. I’ll admit I was bracing myself for my daughter to spit out the tea because she’s never had tea before, but Yosef was correct in his recommendation and she polished off the whole pot!

Book Your Royal Rendezvous:

For how thoughtfully curated the menu was for both kids and adults, and with the overall experience giving “bucket list,” I thought the prices were pretty reasonable. Thanks to a friend of mine who’s pretty enthusiastic about afternoon tea/high tea, I have frequented many tea experiences over the past couple years, and this one definitely takes the cake!

Prices for this experience are:

Afternoon Tea
$109 per person

Champagne Tea
Add a glass of Laurent Perrier Brut Cuvée $151 per person

Royal Champagne Tea
Add a glass of Laurent Perrier Brut Rosé $157 per person

Prince & Princess Tea
$60 per person

So, if you’re looking to add a touch of magic to your family vacation in Victoria (or even a special experience for locals), make sure to book your table for the Prince and Princess Afternoon Tea at Fairmont Empress. It’s an experience your little ones will treasure forever.

10 Fantastic Spring Break Activities for Family Fun in Vancouver 2024!

The Ashley RhapsodyLeave a comment

If you’re like me, you’re gearing up for Spring Break with equal parts excitement and trepidation. “I’m bored” or endless requests for screen time can make even the most patient parent want to pull their hair out. But fear not!

I’ve got your back with a lineup of the top 10 things to do in Vancouver this Spring Break, guaranteed to keep the whole family entertained.

  1. FlyOver Canada: Get ready for an exhilarating virtual flight across Canada! Located at Canada Place, this immersive experience will have your kids feeling like they’re soaring above mountains, forests, and cities. It’s an adventure you won’t want to miss! They are currently running two shows: The Rockies, and Hawaii
  2. WildPlay Maple Ridge: Are your little ones craving adventure? Head to WildPlay Maple Ridge for an adrenaline-pumping day of ziplining, climbing, and swinging through the treetops. It’s the perfect way to unleash their inner daredevils!
  3. Science World – Dream Tomorrow Today: Dive into the world of imagination and discovery at Science World’s latest exhibit, “Dream Tomorrow Today.” With hands-on activities and interactive displays, it’s a journey into creativity that will ignite your child’s curiosity.
  4. Greater Vancouver Zoo: Lions and tigers and bears, oh my! Spend a day at the Greater Vancouver Zoo exploring habitats from around the world. From majestic giraffes to playful bears to even dinosaurs, there’s something to delight every animal lover in your family.
  5. Granville Island: Take a stroll through Granville Island and immerse yourselves in its vibrant atmosphere. From artisan shops to bustling markets, there’s no shortage of treasures to discover. Don’t forget to grab a bite to eat at one of the many delicious eateries (our family loves Siegels Bagels and Lee’s Donuts) !

Now, let’s sprinkle some Easter magic into the mix with five more activities that will make your long weekend egg-stra special:

  1. Taves Farm: Hop on over to Taves Farm for some egg-citing Easter fun! Join in on egg hunts, take a tractor ride, and say hello to the adorable farm animals. It’s a day of farm-tastic adventures the whole family will love.
  2. Maan Farms: Get ready for a berry good time at Maan Farms! From and baby animals to Easter-themed activities, there’s plenty of farm-fresh fun to be had. And don’t forget to indulge in their delicious homemade treats!
  3. Loft Country in Langley: Saddle up for a Wild West adventure at Loft Country! With pony rides, petting zoos, and cowboy-themed performances, it’s a rootin’ tootin’ good time for little cowpokes and their families.
  4. Museum of Surrey: The Museum of Surrey is not merely a museum (though their museum is awesome), they are also full of kid friendly activities! From their indoor playground, to their LEGO exhibit, and their seasonal crafts and entertainment for Easter, the Museum of Surrey is a family favourite every year.
  5. Mainland Markets: Happening this month at Potters, Mainland Markets is our favourite spot to discover local brands, enjoy mouthwatering treats, and on March 30 they are hosting an indoor Easter Egg Hunt for only $6 (the market is free to attend).

So there you have it, folks – 10 fantastic Spring Break activities guaranteed to keep your kids entertained and your sanity intact. Because let’s face it, childhood should be fun for parents too! Get out there and make some unforgettable memories with your loved ones. Happy Spring Break! 🌸✨

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